Customs and Border Protection media release

UPDATE - Christmas Island Tragedy

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is coordinating the search and rescue effort and resumed its search for survivors at first light this morning (approximately 0530 local time, 0930 AEDT). Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and Australian Federal Police continue to assist Australian Maritime Safety Authority with the search operation.

As at 1900 (AEDT) there were 42 survivors and 30 deceased. This number includes two further bodies located by divers yesterday. As the recovery action continues, this number may change.

The deceased comprise 13 adult males, 9 adult females, three juvenile males, one juvenile female, one infant male and three infant females.

At this time the focus and absolute priority remains on the search and rescue mission and treating those who have been injured.

Five patients are currently at Royal Perth Hospital, two females transferred on Wednesday evening by a Royal Flying Doctor service flight and three males patients transferred on a charter flight on Thursday evening. One of the male patients at Royal Perth is the husband of one of the female patients at Perth.

Three patients remain in Christmas Island Hospital; two are expected to be discharged today.

An air and sea search is ongoing for survivors that might have drifted out to sea. The search will continue throughout today. A decision on whether to continue will be made later today.

Customs and Border Protection will be providing updates as accurate information comes to hand.

Media enquiries:
Contact Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793